According to Steve Huey, Stevie Wonder was born as Steveland Hardaway Judkins in Saginaw, MI on May 13, 1950 (np). Due to being a premature infant, he spent time in an incubator with too much oxygen, leading to a visual condition called retinopathy that resulted in blindness (Huey np). Huey also mentioned that by the age of nine, Wonder had learned to play the piano, drums, and harmonica (np). In 1961, Stevie performed for a few friends and was discovered by Ronnie White of the Miracles, who then arranged an audition with Berry Gordy at Motown (Huey np).
According to Steve Huey, Gordy immediately signed Little Stevie Wonder and teamed him with producer/songwriter Clarence, giving him a new name (np). In his first two albums in 1962, Stevie paid tribute to his hero Ray Charles (Huey np). His song “Fingertips, Pt. 2” quickly rose to the top of the pop and R&B charts, making him Motown’s first chart-topper (Huey np). Wonder charted a few more singles in the following year, but none matched the success of “Fingertips, Pt. 2” (np). As his voice changed, he took a break from his recording career and enrolled in the Michigan School for the blind to study classical piano (Huey np). In 1971, a significant moment arrived for Wonder when his contract with Motown expired on his 21st birthday, granting him access to his trust fund royalties (np). Instead of immediately renewing his contract with Motown as expected, Stevie used his trust fund to establish his own recording studio and attend USC classes (Huey np).
According to Steve Huey, Wonder’s marriage to Wright ended, but they remained friends and he produced and wrote songs for her debut album. In 1972, the release of “Talking Book” made Wonder a superstar. Huey mentioned that Wonder topped the charts with the funk classic “Superstition” and the jazzy ballad “You Are the Sunshine of My Life,” both of which went on to win three Grammy Awards. Additionally, Huey mentioned that while on his way to a concert in North Carolina, a large timber fell on Wonder’s car.
According to Steve Huey, Stevie suffered severe head injuries and fell into a coma. Thankfully, he was able to fully recover. Afterwards, he retired to his studio for two years to work on a major project that would become his greatest creation. Huey describes the project, Songs in the Keys of Life, as Wonder’s most ambitious and expansive work. It received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its brilliance but also noting its tendency for excess and indulgence. However, others hailed it as Wonder’s ultimate masterpiece, marking the pinnacle of his career. Ultimately, both opinions hold some truth.
Steve Huey stated that “the hit ‘Isn’t She Lovely,’ a tribute to Wonder’s daughter, became somewhat of a classic” (np). Chez Lorraine confirmed that “Steve Wonder composed ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ for his daughter Aisha. The song begins with Aisha’s cries, evoking strong emotions” (np). Despite being blind, Wonder beautifully captured the loveliness of Aisha, conveying his pride and joy as a father (Huey np). Squidoo.com mentioned that in 1975, enchanted by the birth of his daughter, a young man was inspired to write a song: “Isn’t she Lovely” (np).
Paul Gambaccini described “Isn’t She Lovely” as an outstanding track that didn’t become a single (np). He also mentioned that “Songs in the Key of Life” was chosen as the #14 rock album of all time by a panel of rock critics and music broadcasters in 1987 (np). Oprah.com quoted Stevie Wonder saying that writing “Isn’t She Lovely?” was an emotional moment inspired by the sound of his daughter Aisha splashing in the bathtub (np). R.A stated that the third LP side begins with “Isn’t She Lovely?”, which became one of Wonder’s all-time popular songs (np). The line “Isn’t She Lovely Made From Love” conveys the deep love between Stevie Wonder and his wife as they were creating life. The line “Life Is Aisha” indicates that Aisha is Wonder’s daughter and the love of his life, emphasizing her loveliness and wonderful nature. The line “Londie, It could not have been done” suggests that Londie is his wife and acknowledges that without her, the birth of their beautiful daughter would not have been possible.
Work Cited
- http://allmusic. com/artist/stevie-wonder-p139462/biography (Steve Huey, allmusic. com, 2-13-12, Rovi Corporation)
- http://chezlorraine. ordpress. com/2011/03/07/isnt-she-lovely/ (Chez Lorraine, chezlorraine. wordpress. com, 2-14-12, N/A)
- http://www. squidoo. com/isn’t-she-lovely-stevie-wonder (N/A, squidoo. com, 2-15-12, squidoo LLC and respective copyright owners)
- http://www. superseventies. com/spwonderstevie4. html (Paul Gambaccini, superseventies. com, 2-15-12, N/A)
- http://www. oprah. com/ommagazine/Oprah-interviews-Stevie-Wonder/7 (N/A, oprah. com, 2-15-12, Harpo Productions, Inc)
- http://classic. modernrockreview. com/2011/12/1976-stevie-wonder-songs/ (R. A., classic. modernrockreview. com, 2-15-12, Thirty-Three Dimensions, LLC)
